Lessons from a conflict resolution guru. — At the program where I worked as a clinical counselor, I was often referred to as the conflict resolution guru. That meant that when two clients were having a conflict, I was often called on to run the conflict resolution session. By conflict, I mean CONFLICT. A conflict in this…

And, what exactly is an I-Statement?? — An I-statement is not that complicated. It is hard to explain sometimes though. I’ve used it with adults, children, and youth. Everyone struggles with it. I struggle with it! An I-statement is meant to be helpful as a way to communicate with someone else, especially when you have an issue…

Net Worth. — I read CNN’s Five Things every morning. I want to stay in tune with world and national news, but I can only process so much without becoming saddened or incensed. So, I go with the five top news items that CNN deems significant. CNN adds in some extra features each…

It’s a simplistic feel-your-way kind of method. — I am directing this advice to those who have the desire to become a runner but feel they don’t have the willpower or the resolve to do it. Or maybe you don’t think you’re enough of an athlete to be a runner. You don’t have to be. By running, I…

Learning to live with past trauma. — There is no cure for post-traumatic stress disorder. The triggers of past trauma don’t magically disappear over time. However, over time, you can get better at managing the triggers. One, you can learn to identify them. …

It’s not as hard as I thought it would be. — My adult son and I gushed over the Budweiser commercial featuring a yellow lab puppy and a Clydesdale, and subsequently fell in love with the idea of getting a puppy just like that one. We had a golden retriever who was getting older and slower, and we felt ready for…

Yes, I came to it later than most, AND I’m loving it. — First of all, don’t tell my kids. It might hurt their feelings. However, I’ve been a single mother since they were 8, 5, and 3 years old. This empty nester has worked hard and waited a long time for this moment. I have to laugh now, looking back at my…

Dreams give your life direction. — I’m referring to dreams you have for your future, not dreams you have in the middle of the night. Personally, I prefer the term dreams to goals. I can’t ascribe to the term goals. It feels too hard in my hands, the edges too sharp. I prefer dreams. …